Couple charged after marijuana seizure

Police busted up a marijuana growing operation Tuesday afternoon and arrested a Burfordville couple on related charges.

After Mike Alford, of the SEMO Drug Task Force, received information that John A. Trimble, 53, and his wife, Kathryn A. Trimble, 56, were growing and selling marijuana on their Burfordville property, state troopers used a helicopter to spot the marijuana plants growing in a wooded area near the residence, according to a probable-cause statement signed by Alford.

Responding officers say they saw Kathryn Trimble exiting the well-worn footpath leading to the plants. She had large scratches on her left arm that appeared to have come from walking through briar patches, according to the statement.

When asked, Kathryn Trimble said she was tending to her flowers, but grew upset and confrontational when the officers told her marijuana was being grown on the property, according to the sworn statement.

Police say Kathryn Trimble refused to allow police onto the grounds. They later secured a warrant and found 14 marijuana plants that had been pulled from the ground and placed in a pile, the statement said.

Four more mature plants were found, as well as numerous firearms, about 1 1/2 pounds of processed marijuana, three types of prescription drugs, rolling papers, marijuana cigarettes and several marijuana grinders, the statement said.

Police also seized $6,131 in cash.

The Trimbles have both been charged with producing a controlled substance, intending to sell, three counts of possession of controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

By Wednesday afternoon, the Trimbles had posted bond and were no longer in custody at the Cape Girardeau County Jail. Bond for John Trimble was set at $60,000; bond for Kathryn Trimble was $40,000.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245